Chapter 35

By the look on Eleanor's face, Nolan already knew what was running through her mind.

He lowered himself in front of the child and said in a teasing tone, "Sweetheart, thank you for stepping in for me. Otherwise, someone might've thought the worst of me."

Eleanor pressed her lips tight and stayed silent.

That sharp tongue of his never failed.

Everyone, carrying their own thoughts, walked Fannie back to the house just as dinner was about to be served.

Myah had made sure to save them a table while the rest of the seats were already full.

Once the fruit had been handed out, Eleanor sat beside Nolan.

The day had clearly turned against her, since running into him felt like pure bad luck.

She swore she would ask Myah about his visits before showing up next time.

Still, life rarely went the way she planned.

While they ate, Fannie looked at Eleanor with eager eyes. "Eleanor, can I come with you to the orphanage next time?"

She absolutely adored Eleanor.

Because of her poor health since childhood, she had grown up with very few friends.

Even as a Stewart, she could always sense disdain behind people's smiles.

Eleanor, however, was unlike the rest. Just earlier,she had seen it for herself-those eyes held only kindness, never judgment. Worried Eleanor might turn her down, Fannie quickly caught her hand and shook it eagerly. "Please,Eleanor.Say yes!"

As she met a gazé as puré as a child's, Eleanor found it hard to turn her away.

Eventually Eleanor gave in. "Alright."

Nolan arched his brows, cutting in smoothly."Fannie, you're not in the best shape. I'll come along next time too."

His eyes then shifted upward, fastening on Eleanor as if she had suddenly become far too obedient. "You don't object, do you,Miss Warren?"

It sounded less like a question and more like a decision already made.

For Fannie's sake, Eleanor swallowed her pride and chose to endure.

The very idea of seeing Nolan's cold expression week after week sent prickles across her scalp.

She forced a stiff smile and replied, "Of course. It would be my privilege to have you join us."

Her tone, though polite, carried a thin edge of mockery.

Nolan's lips lifted in the faintest smile.

His long fingers reached for the shared fork, carefully placing a slice of braised beef onto Eleanor's plate.

The gesture caught her completely off guard.

What exactly was that supposed to mean?

A peace offering?

Or some kind of test?

Still, with so many eyes watching, she had no choice but to lower her gaze and quietly eat what was in front of her.

The food lost its flavor completely. Even so, Eleanor stuck to her disciplined habits, finishing every bite-including the braised beef Nolan had served her.

When dinner ended, Fannie tugged eagerly at Eleanor's hand and pulled her outside to the yard, her laughter mingling with that of the other children.

The cheerful voices rang through the air.

From the porch, Nolan stood motionless, his eyes following Eleanor and Fannie in the distance.

A phone appeared in his hand, and he dialed a number.

"Well, well. Nolan, you actually calling me?" Ryland's voice drawled with teasing amusement on the other end.

Nolan ignored the banter, his tone cutting straight to the point. "Find out where Eleanor graduated from."

A moment of silence followed before Ryland spoke again, caught off guard. "That's all?"

He had been expecting something far more dramatic.

But if it came down to gathering information, Nolan couldn't have asked a better man.

"There's no need to dig around. I already know the answer," Ryland responded.